Privileged Few

By John E. Jordan Jr.

Even during Prohibition in the hidden private bar adjoining the office of Johnny Sellers' Cadillac dealership in Jackson, Mississippi, refreshments were pressed into eager hands of potential buyers. Behind the closed door of what Johnny Sellers called 'The Cadillac Club' Natchez madams and their pimps, Delta planters, state politicians like Governor Theodore Bilbo, local attorneys, and wealthy businessmen enjoyed refreshments and local gossip while enjoying lunches that encouraged clients to open their wallets. Johnny Sellers' business strategy insured that guests of the Cadillac Club left 318 South State Street driving a new Cadillac. The history of Mississippi during the first half of the 20th century parallels the growth rings of a Loblolly Pine. Years of abundant sun and rain were recorded with large tree rings duplicated in a similar positive pattern found in successful business in Mississippi. During times of low cotton prices or lack of good weather challenged the citizens of the state yet Johnny Sellers managed to operate a successful business despite the challenges. The industrial advancements that drove the United States to become a world leader were akin to growth rings in Mississippi. Progress was intermittent due to continued dependence upon 'Old South' habits of an agricultural economy. Today it is hard to comprehend the dominance of cotton, but before the Great Depression cotton was the topic of every conversation whether at a street corner in Yazoo City or at the birth or death of a leading planter or of a lowly field hand.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1503232093
• ISBN13: 9781503232099
• Release Date: November 2014
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 0.7" x 8.5"